Car Insurance Card Information

Reader’s Question:

I leave my car insurance card in the car. Is that ok or do I need to have it with me every time?

Ellen

Baltimore Maryland

This will depend on your state law but you must have proof of insurance available to show at all times especially if requested by a law enforcer. This will be needed as well if you will be in an accident because the other driver will exchange information with you.

Some state require an insurance company to report insurance status information for all private vehicle to DMV, law enforcers and court personnel for them to verify if your vehicle is currently insured but they still state that even with this access you must still carry proof of insurance in your car. A particular state notes that everyone should have the insurance card inside the vehicle just in case a proof of insurance will be requested by a police officer. You are required to show your proof of insurance.

Most of the time it does not really matter if you have the proof of insurance with you or kept in the car as long as you can show it once requested. Unable to show proof of insurance can lead to paying fines or going to court to prove that you are insured at the time of the accident. You need to be sure that you have the proof of insurance every time you drive the vehicle, this will help you avoid getting into sticky situation that will only waste your time and money if you just have the insurance card with you.

There are insurance companies that provide two copies of proof of insurance. You can carry one copy that you can put inside your wallet and the other one can be kept in the car. If you have two copies, I would suggest that you keep one in the car to make sure that every time you drive the vehicle you will have access to it. You can also check your insurance company if they can provide you with another copy if you feel like one needs it.